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Albert Einstein once called compound interest the eighth wonder of the world. And for good reason! Compounding is what turns investors into millionaires. The earlier you start investing, the more your money can compound, or grow. This is why so many people find themselves wondering how to open a Roth IRA with Vanguard. Vanguard has a reputation as one of the most reliable investing platforms. Roth IRAs are known as one of the best investment […]
Physicians exploring ways to diversify their investments may consider alternatives beyond stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Commercial real estate offers … Read more
Introduction In the world of investing, timing is always contested: no one can perfectly predict market moves, but some environments offer stronger odds for success than others. As of late 2025, there are a number of compelling arguments suggesting that now is a particularly good time to consider an allocation to SCHD — the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF. Below, I will present reasons grounded in valuation, yield, risk dynamics, macro outlook, and portfolio strategy […]
People often talk about investing as if it only happens on Wall Street, in charts and tickers that the rest of us barely understand. But investment can be a lot more tactile than that. For some, it’s as close as the bookshelf, the display cabinet, or even the attic. Certain collections not only spark joy … Read more
At a Glance: Sometimes operators back-fill deals to wrap up the last round of renovations That can reduce risk, since the operator already runs and knows the property inside and out The downside: the cap on how much you can invest Deni and I are constantly checking in with real estate operators and seeing what they’re working on. One of the quirky trends we’ve seen this year is that when we reach out to them, sometimes they’ll respond “We’re holding out for spectacular deals right now because they’re out there – but we do have a little room still available in a property we’ve been operating since last year if you’re interested.” When we hear that, our first question is “Why?” Why do you want more money for a deal that already closed? Don’t get me wrong, there are some bad answers to that question. But there are also some good answers. Disclaimer The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult a licensed real estate consultant and/or financial advisor about your investment decisions. Real estate investing involves risks; past performance does not indicate future results. We make no representations or warranties about the accuracy or reliability of the information provided. Our articles may have affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link, the affiliate may compensate our website at no cost to you. You can view our Privacy Policy here for more information. Many operators have been able to find great deals on distressed properties but have struggled to raise enough money to cover all the costs. Often they’ll close on the property and start renovating, even if they didn’t raise enough to cover 100% of the renovations. They know that the property will cash flow well, and that between their own cash on hand, cash flow from the property, and potential interest from investors like us, they’ll have the money to knock out the tail end of unit renovations. “De-risked”: Known Property, Known Performance (article continues below) Real estate investments? Awesome. Being a landlord? Less fun. Learn how to earn 15%+ on passive real estate investments in our free video course. Access Free Course From there, we start asking more questions. How’s the deal performing? Where are you with occupancy? Cash flow? Renovations? Distributions? Because after 8-12 months, they know what’s behind the walls. They’ve evicted any inherited deadbeat tenants. They’ve gotten into a rhythm with property management (or replaced nonperformers). And in many cases, they’ve started distributions. Want to compare investment property loans? What do lenders charge for a rental property mortgage? What
Dividend growth investing has become one of the most reliable strategies for investors seeking both income and long-term wealth creation. While many investors flock to consumer staples or real estate investment trusts for steady payouts, the utility sector has quietly proven to be one of the most dependable sources of consistent dividends. Utilities provide essential services—electricity, water, and natural gas—that households and businesses cannot do without, even in times of economic uncertainty. This resilience, coupled […]
The IRS recently released final regulations regarding the Roth catch-up contribution requirement from SECURE Act 2.0 (i.e., the new rule stating that, for people whose wages in the previous year from the employer in question exceeded a certain threshold, any catch-up contributions to the employer-sponsored plan this year must be made as Roth rather than tax-deferred). Among other things, the new regulations clarify that “applicability of the Roth catch-up requirement to a participant is based […]
The post Analyzing the Dow Dividend Cut: Causes, Effects, and Outlook appeared first on Dividend Power. Dow Inc. (DOW) cut its dividend due to the impact of a prolonged chemical industry downturn, poor financial results, leverage, tariffs, and trade uncertainty. Weak financial results and lower sales and earnings for a longer than expected time have taken a toll. The firm’s dividend has been constant since Q2 2019, and it was eventually cut this year. The […]
Hello everyone, welcome to another month of dividend income update. We have been doing these monthly dividend income updates since the birth of this blog. We do these updates to chronicle our financial independence journey. … Read more
🎙️Episode #447 – Terrence started with a single duplex and, in just four years, built a seven-property portfolio in multiple states. From a COVID-era “aha”… The post I Bought 7 Rentals in 4 Years: This is How I Did It appeared first on Coach Carson.
If you’re wondering, “Should I invest in REITs?”—you’re not alone. Real estate investing has evolved far beyond buying rental properties. Today, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, offer a powerful way to earn passive income, diversify your portfolio, and tap into property markets—without ever picking up a hammer. Contents Toggle What is a REIT and How Does it Work?Pros of REIT InvestingCons of REIT InvestingGood REITs to Invest InTypes of REITs: Equity, Mortgage and Sector SpecificAre REITs a Good Investment? A Brief Lesson in DiversificationFAQAre REITs a Good Investment? Final ThoughtsRelated This article may contain affiliate links which means that – at zero cost to you – I might earn a commission if you sign up or buy through the affiliate link. What is a REIT and How Does it Work? REITs allow investors to earn income from real estate-without the need to buy or manage physical properties. According to REIT.com, a real estate investment trust is an investment comprised of many companies, similar to a mutual fund or ETF. REITs own or finance income-producing real estate. By law, REITs must pay out at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders, making them attractive for dividend-seeking investors. You can invest in individual REITs or through a REIT ETF, which bundles multiple REITs into one diversified fund. I’ve invested in both bricks and mortar real estate and REITs and I’m a fan of REITs. REIT dividends provide steady cash flow and allow you to sleep at night. You won’t be woken up at 2 a.m. by a tenant with a plumbing emergency. Investing in a real estate fund is as easy as reviewing a list of available funds and clicking “buy” at your online discount brokerage account. But before you rush out to invest, check out the advantages and disadvantages of REIT investing. M1 Finance is a good place to create an investment portfolio and invest in REITs. (I have an account with M1 Finance.) Get FREE Investment Management at M1 Finance Pros of REIT Investing High Dividend Yields: REITs must pay out 90% of taxable income. Great for income-focused investors. Passive Income: No property management required. Diversification: Helps reduce overall portfolio risk. Real estate exposure, without direct ownership. Professional Management: Experts handle property decisions. Liquidity: Buy and sell easily through your brokerage account. Cons of REIT Investing Market Volatility: REIT prices fluctuate like stocks. Tax Treatment: Dividends are often taxed as ordinary income. You might want to own your REIT ETF in your IRA account. Interest Rate Sensitivity: Rising rates can hurt REIT performance Sector Risk: Some REITs (like office or retail) may underperform in certain economic cycles. Good REITs to Invest In Consider investing in a broadly diversified REIT ETF with a sample of real estate companies from various sectors. As an investor, I’ve bought broadly diversified real estate investment trusts in the U.S. and abroad. With interest rates declining, now is a good time to check out REITs, since real estate mortgages and
The stock market outlook continues to show an uptrend for U.S. equities.
Send us a text Join us on Average Joe Finances as our guest Dr. Axel Meierhoefer shares his remarkable journey from serving in the German Air Force to becoming a successful real estate investor and mentor. He discusses his transition to the United States through an exchange program with the US Air Force, his stint […] The post Podcast 313. Community, Mentorship, and Real Estate with Axel Meierhoefer appeared first on Average Joe Finances.